Abstract
A distinct strand in the history of ideas and activism for social change challenges a problem known as “voluntary servitude,” a notion put forth by Etienne de La Boetie: any tyrant can be toppled, any unjust system can be overcome, if only people deliberately withdraw their support, that is, if they apply the non-violent non-cooperation principle. This concept extends well into the twentieth century, beginning with Leo Tolstoy’s public statements in favour of the Russian Revolution in 1905, followed by Gustav Landauer’s Die Revolution (1907). Landauer also refers to La Boetie to highlight religious thinkers and groups—e.g. Petr Chelcický and the Doukhobors whose practical spirituality had already influenced Tolstoy. Non-violent non-cooperation ultimately found practical expression in Kurt Eisner’s organising efforts for the Bavarian Revolution of 1918 and in Landauer’s leading role in the Munich Council Republic of April 1919.
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